Veterinary Technician

Program Description:

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: View Selective Admission for detailed information.

The Veterinary Technician Program is designed to prepare students to assist with the technical aspects of modern veterinary practice and animal related fields including: medical laboratory procedures, anesthesia, radiology, and surgical assisting. Major emphasis is on dogs and cats, although instruction will also be given on large animal and laboratory animal techniques. Students are also instructed to develop their skills with people, so as to relate to the owners of the animals.

Students selecting this program should contact the program director at 586.286.2096 or 586.286.2073 for messages.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Under the supervision of a veterinarian and through various data collection techniques, recognize changes in patient status and explain indications and contraindications related to treatments and interventions that are appropriate to the veterinary technician role in practice.

2. Employ critical thinking skills as it pertains to planning and problem solving to provide appropriate patient-centered care.

3.  Apply the knowledge and technical skills learned to actual situations and care of patients in the veterinary field.

4.  Display professional behaviors and actions consistent with the Veterinary Technician Standards of Conduct related to moral, legal, and ethical issues that occur in the veterinary field.

5.  Apply lifelong learning, career development, and active involvement in community service endeavors.

6.  Demonstrate professional communication skills with clients and co-workers, and an ability to work effectively as a member of the veterinary healthcare team.

7.  Employ appropriate safety and protective practices in their daily activities as a veterinary technician.

8.  Students pass rate on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) for licensure will be equal to or greater than 90%.

Requirements & Specific Information:

Additional expenses to be met by the student before entering the internship component of the program are: (1) a health history and physical examination including testing for tuberculosis, and proof of a current tetanus vaccine; (2) uniforms; and, (3) hospitalization insurance as neither the hospital nor the college insures the student against accidents or illnesses.

Students must achieve grade “C” or better, or grade “Pass” (if the course is a Pass/Fail course) for all the Core and the General Education courses which are prerequisites and/or considered a part of this program.  Other General Education courses which are not part of the program, but are required for the degree, require only a passing grade.

Accreditation:

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technician Program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 800.248.2862. The Veterinary Technician Program’s teaching hospital is also accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 12575 W. Bayaud Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228. AAHA’s phone number is 303.986.2800.

Career Opportunities:

• Veterinary Technician

Transfer Pathways:

Students intending to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree need to make early decisions concerning an academic major and a transfer destination. Statistics show that students who make these decisions early are more likely to persist to graduation than their undecided counterparts. Students planning to transfer credits earned at Macomb are strongly urged to see a counselor or academic advisor as early as possible in their college careers.

• Transfer Plan Database

Programs

• Veterinary Technician, AAS (full-time)